Sedums: Versatile Fall Color

Sedums are perennials known for their distinctive, colorful, fleshy foliage in shades from pink, rose, purple, burgundy, to blue, green, chartreuse and in stunning combinations. Sedums come in a multitude of fascinating shapes, colors, and sizes – from upright varieties to groundcovers. Star-shaped flowers are usually in clusters or sprays that often change color throughout their bloom time. They enjoy full sun, but will tolerate some shade. They are very nearly a perfect plant. They look good as they emerge in spring and look good all season long unlike many perennials that begin to show signs of age after bloom. Some are attractive even in winter when the dried foliage is left standing.

Sedums provide a list of characteristics every great landscape designer looks for:

• four-season interest
• versatility
• hardiness

and two characteristics of growing value –

• bee-friendly
• dry tolerant.

All thrive in full sun with good drainage. Ground cover types do a good job of suppressing weeds. Sedums are a fall color favorite of our designers because they work in so many landscapes. They will make even the driest, rocky bed look lush.

Two we love for their great show of color are:

Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop: the red-margined green leaves become brilliantly red with cool autumn temperatures. Deep red flowers contrast with the green leaves in warm weather. This plant is a superb groundcover, border, or rock garden subject.

Autumn Fire Stonecrop: with rich rosy-pink flowers that age to a coppery red. Good fresh or dried for arrangements.

One grower, Monrovia says, “Once gardeners discover the multitude of fascinating shapes and colors — and how easy these plants are to grow — they will be sold on adding them to their planting palette.” Sedums will also do well in containers! There are so many varieties so you’ll find plenty of options to choose from in various colors.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any suggestions.

Glen Goldberg, Founder and President